Endoscopic Kidney Stone Surgery in Turkey
Endoscopic kidney stone surgery is a modern surgical option used to remove stones in the kidneys and urinary tract through a minimally invasive approach. Thanks to technological advancements, it offers a more comfortable and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgeries. This method is especially effective and less traumatic for patients with small to medium-sized stones.What is endoscopic kidney stone surgery?
Endoscopic stone surgery involves techniques such as ureteroscopy (URS) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), accessing the stones through the urinary tract and breaking them with laser. There is no incision made on the body during the surgery, as natural urinary pathways are used. Therefore, patient comfort is high, and discharge is usually possible on the same day or the following day.How does it differ from percutaneous and open surgery?
A comparison of the three methods is as follows:Comparison of Endoscopic, Percutaneous, and Open Surgery
| Feature | Endoscopic Surgery | Percutaneous Surgery | Open Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incision | None | Small back incision | Large surgical incision |
| Recovery Time | 1–3 days | 5–7 days | 2 weeks or more |
| Pain | Minimal | Moderate | High |
| Suitability | Small and medium-sized stones | Large and complex stones | Rare |
| Hospital Stay | Usually 1 night | 2–3 days | 5 days or more |
In which cases is it used?
Endoscopic kidney stone surgery is commonly preferred in the following cases:- Kidney stones smaller than 2 cm
- Stones located in the ureter
- Hard stones resistant to ESWL (shock wave therapy)
- Stones located in the lower, middle, or upper poles of the kidney
- Patients with anatomical structures unsuitable for percutaneous surgery
What is the procedure for endoscopic surgery?
The operation process is as follows:- The patient is prepared under general or spinal anesthesia.
- An endoscope is inserted through the urinary tract.
- The stone is fragmented into small pieces using a laser.
- The fragments are either removed or allowed to pass naturally.
- A temporary Double-J stent may be placed if needed.
Endoscopic Kidney Stone Surgery – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is endoscopic kidney stone surgery painful?
Pain after the procedure is generally minimal and can be easily managed with pain relievers.
2. Can all stones be removed with this method?
It is highly successful for small to medium-sized stones. For larger stones, the percutaneous method may be more appropriate.
3. How soon can I be discharged after the operation?
Most patients are discharged the same day or the following day.
4. What is the difference compared to open surgery?
The endoscopic method is less invasive, allows for a much faster recovery, and is more aesthetically favorable.
5. Does it damage the urinary tract?
The risk is low in experienced hands. A temporary stent may be placed if necessary.
6. Is there a risk of stone recurrence?
Yes, kidney stone disease tends to recur. Dietary regulation and metabolic evaluation help reduce this risk.
7. Is laser used in this method?
Yes, stones are typically fragmented using a Holmium laser.
8. What type of anesthesia is used?
Either general or spinal anesthesia may be administered.
9. Is urinary tract infection common after surgery?
It is rare but possible. Preventive antibiotics are usually given.
10. What should be considered after endoscopic stone surgery?
Stay well hydrated, do not skip follow-up visits if a stent is placed, and watch for signs of infection.
References
- mayoclinic.org
- clevelandclinic.org
- urologyhealth.org
- healthline.com
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- emedicine.medscape.com
- nationalkidneyfoundation.org
- europeanassociationofurology.eu
- webmd.com
- upmc.com